RAMALLAH, May 23, 2018 (WAFA) – The Palestinian Authority’s decision to call on the International Criminal Court to investigate Israeli war crimes in the occupied Palestinian territories dominated the front page headlines in Palestinian dailies on Wednesday.

Al-Quds reported that Palestine has officially submitted a referral to the ICC, while al-Ayyam and al-Hayat al-Jadida said that Palestine called on the ICC to launch an immediate investigation into Israeli war crimes.

On the other hand, al-Quds highlighted leaks indicating what US President Donald Trump’s so-called “the ultimate deal” would entail for the Palestinians in its main news item. It said that the deal is expanded to include a Marshall Plan for Gaza.

Furthermore, the dailies said that President Mahmoud Abbas continued to receive phone calls from the leaders of several Arab and Islamic countries inquiring about his health.

They added US ambassador to Israel David Friedman was photographed smiling while receiving a picture of Jerusalem with a Jewish temple replacing Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Al-Quds added that the World Bank has contributed $10.5 million to support the Palestinian Authority’s budget.

It said that Palestinians set fire to an Israeli military post, located to the east of al-Bureij refugee camp.

It reported Hamas senior official Khalil al-Hayya pledging to continue the Great March of Return protests until the ultimate goal of foiling the so-called “ultimate deal” and lifting the siege on Gaza.

Al-Ayyam said that Israeli artillery pounded a Hamas observation point, east of al-Bureij refugee camp.

It added that the second batch of Palestinians who were shot and injured by Israeli snipers as they partook in the Great March of Return protests headed to Jordan for treatment.

Moreover, UNRWA Commissioner-General Pierre Krähenbühl was reported in al-Quds warning: “Gaza is facing a major humanitarian and health disaster” that will have great repercussions and endless consequences on the Palestinian society.

He was also reported saying: “Gaza’s dehumanization will not bring peace to the region.”

With regards to the West Bank, al-Quds and al-Hayat al-Jadida said that Israeli police raided several East Jerusalem neighborhoods, sparking confrontations with Palestinians, and raided the northern West Bank city of Qalqiliya.

Al-Ayyam and al-Hayat al-Jadida said that Israeli settlers cut off 700 grape vines near Halhoul town, north of Hebron.

Al-Quds added that Israeli police placed metal barriers on the stone stairs outside Jerusalem’s Damascus Gate.

According to al-Quds and al-Ayyam, the Israeli lobby in Washington is spearheading a campaign to close the Palestine Liberation Organization’s (PLO) delegation and expel the PLO’s envoy Husam Zomlot.

Al-Quds and al-Hayat al-Jadida said the Palestinian cabinet in its weekly session reviewed fiscal developments and general budget performance.

Al-Ayyam and al-Hayat al-Jadida said that several French cities have hoisted the flag of Palestine on municipal buildings in support of the Palestinian people.

K.F./M.K.